A Chiastic Analysis of ‘The Family: A Proclamation to the World’

The existence of chiasmus in the scriptures of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is well documented. However, the existence of chiasmus in the inspired writings of modern prophets, apostles and church leaders is mainly overlooked. This may be due, at least in part, to the view that chiasmus is exclusively an ancient literary form.

A Chiastic Analysis of ‘The Family: A Proclamation to the World’ by Ivan D. Sanderson and Mark J. Sanderson is a case study demonstrating the existence and value of chiasmus in the writings of modern prophets and apostles. A chiastic approach to studying the Proclamation uncovers the depth and breadth of doctrine that is contained in its nine brief paragraphs and reveals a thorough explanation of the role of the family in our Heavenly Father’s plan. A Chiastic Analysis of ‘The Family: A Proclamation to the World’ aims to draw attention and increase obedience to the word of God that is communicated to us today by His modern spokesmen.

Ivan D. Sanderson is the author of Isaiah: The Times of Fulfillment, a verse-by-verse commentary. He has a PhD in geology from the University of Colorado and MA and BA degrees in geology from Brigham Young University.

Mark J. Sanderson is a professional writer in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has an MA in advertising from The University of Texas at Austin and a BA in history with a minor in English from Brigham Young University.